TMZ had previously claimed that the singer was 'unconscious' with 'no immediate prospects for getting better'

Representatives of singer Joni Mitchell have denied reports that she is in a coma and unresponsive, but confirm that she remains hospitalised.

Last night (April 28), US website TMZ reported that the folk songwriter is in a coma, claiming Mitchell to be “unconscious in a hospital, unable to respond to anyone, with no immediate prospects for getting better”. The website also published legal documents allegedly confirming their claims.

Now, representatives close to Mitchell have refuted the developments. A statement on Mitchell’s official website, and approved by close friend Leslie Morris, reads: “Contrary to rumors circulating on the Internet today, Joni is not in a coma. Joni is still in the hospital – but she comprehends, she’s alert, and she has her full senses. A full recovery is expected.”

The message continues: “The document obtained by a certain media outlet simply gives her longtime friend Leslie Morris the authority – in the absence of 24-hour doctor care – to make care decisions for Joni once she leaves the hospital. As we all know, Joni is a strong-willed woman and is nowhere near giving up the fight. Please continue to keep Joni in your thoughts.”

However, Billboard claim that “multiple sources” close to Mitchell have informed the publication that the singer’s health is “far worse than the public was led to believe”, with one stating that Mitchell’s current condition is “very serious”.

Mitchell was hospitalised in Los Angeles last month (March 31), after being found unconscious at her home. Previous updates have stated that the Canadian singer-songwriter, 71, is “awake and in good spirits” and getting “stronger each day”.

In December 2014, Mitchell told Billboard that she has a rare skin condition called Morgellons Disease, which prevents her from performing live.